All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Sensation RJ Davis Reveals Decision

RJ Davis is now officially set to become a fifth-year UNC basketball guard.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball guard RJ Davis
UNC basketball guard RJ Davis / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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Reports of UNC basketball senior RJ Davis' planned return to Chapel Hill for a fifth campaign with the Tar Heels are nothing new. And the fact his name did not appear among the NBA Draft's early entrants on Tuesday signaled that the reports were likely accurate. But as of early Wednesday morning, the news is official.

At about 3 a.m. ET, Davis posted a video on his Instagram account with the following caption: "I'm back."

By choosing to spend another year in college, an option stemming from the NCAA not counting the truncated 2020-21 season against anyone's eligibility, the reigning ACC Player of the Year has a shot to become the preseason frontrunner for the Naismith Trophy and surpass Tyler Hansbrough as the UNC basketball program's all-time leading scorer.

Davis, who averaged a career-high 21.2 points per game for the 2023-24 Tar Heels, needs only to match the 784 points he posted as a senior to tie Hansbrough (2,872 points from 2005-09) atop the list.

As things stand, next season's UNC basketball roster appears to contain 10 scholarship players: rising graduate guard RJ Davis, graduate forward Jae'Lyn Withers, junior forward Jalen Washington, junior guard Seth Trimble, junior forward Cade Tyson, sophomore guard Elliot Cadeau, sophomore forward Zayden High, freshman forward Drake Powell, freshman guard Ian Jackson, and freshman center James Brown.

However, Tar Heel head coach Hubert Davis and his staff have their eyes on potentially adding a few more talents via the transfer portal.

RELATED: UNC Sits One Piece Away From Absolutely Loaded Roster

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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